Shane Patton has left the role of Victoria Police chief commissioner effectively immediately and his interim replacement has been announced.
Shane Patton has left the role of Victoria Police chief commissioner effectively immediately and his interim replacement has been announced.
- Breaking
- National
- Victoria
- Victoria Police
By Roy Ward
Updated February 16, 2025 — 9.49pmfirst published at 9.16pm
Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton has “stepped away” from the role, effective immediately.
Patton issued a statement on Sunday evening, as did the state government.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Rick Nugent would take the role as acting chief commissioner.
Nugent, who was most recently Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, was considered a leading candidate to replace Patton before Sunday night’s announcement that he would take the job in an acting capacity.
He had held senior positions at Victoria Police, including as deputy commissioner, before leaving the force in 2023.
Allan said Nugent would start in the role as soon as practicable, after he relinquishes his emergency services position. Until Nugent can take over the role, Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam will fill in.
Patton departs as Victoria Police finds itself in the midst of its worst leadership crisis in more than a decade after a vote of no confidence in the now former chief commissioner was passed by 87 per cent of police officers on Friday.
“I have this evening advised government that given the current circumstances surrounding my position, I have decided to step away from the role effective immediately,” Patton said.
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Patton said he remained proud of his service as a policeman.
“Victoria Police is an organisation that I have committed my life to and one that I have the utmost pride in, having served the community in it for over 45 years.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision, however, I think it is the right one to allow fresh leadership in the role.
“To the Victorian community, I thank you for giving me the privilege to have served you, this is the reason I and all police officers turn up each day.
“To every employee of Victoria Police, police officers, protective services officers, police custody officers and public servants I say thank you. Thank you for everything you do, every day in this great organisation in keeping the community safe.
“I also thank my family and friends for their love and support over a lifetime of policing.”
Allan praised Patton’s commitment to his role and also thanked his replacements for stepping up.
“Shane Patton started as a police cadet in 1978. He went on to lead the force through significant challenges, particularly COVID-19,” Allan said.
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“On behalf of the Victorian people, I thank Shane for his long and decorated service and his leadership through challenging times.
“Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam AM will lead the organisation until Rick Nugent starts, and I thank her for agreeing to this.
“I will always value the work our police officers do, and I will always back them.”
Patton thanked his executive command team for their commitment to their roles.
“To have been given the opportunity to lead a police organisation such as Victoria Police is an absolute privilege and one very few people have. I was fortunate to have done so, and for that I am very thankful,” Patton said.
“At the many graduation parades I attend, I often say that policing has often been described as having front-row seats to the greatest show on earth, and that is true. It is a fantastic job, rewarding, challenging and one that provides a second family, a family of blue. One that I will miss immensely.
“The organisation is so well-supported by the community and amazing partners such as Victoria Police Legacy, the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Blue Light Victoria and Police Veterans Victoria who all contribute to making Victoria Police employees feel supported and privileged to serve.”
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